The Iona Collaborative community has been busy this spring with two in-person gatherings. In May, five churches from around the country, all part of our Thriving Bi-Vocational Congregations program, came to Seminary of the Southwest for a weekend of reflection, connection, and celebration. These churches have been journeying together for the last 18 months to learn what we call Spiritual Tools for Vestries and Leaders.
Our Annual Retreat and Deans’ Meeting was just last week at Camp Allen in the Piney Woods of Texas. Our theme was Ministry in Polarizing Times. We know that this election year is going to be difficult for preachers, pastors, and leaders of all kinds. Meanwhile, deans from over half the Iona schools in the Collaborative came together for a time of co-learning and planning for the future of local formation. In their own words, participants left feeling prepared, energized, supported, and enthusiastic for ministry in small churches all over the country.
Enjoy these pictures of the people who make up the Iona Collaborative!
Read more here: Small Church Voices, Summer Edition
